FAQs
FAQ - TRAFFIC TICKETS and CRIMINAL CASES
1. What determines if my ticket is payable before court or if I have to appear in court?
The State Court Judge determines whether an offense requires whether a person must appear in court (“Court Only”). The Judge takes into consideration the type and severity of the offense when deciding which cases are court only.
2. When is my court date?
Due to Covid-19, the citations issued by law enforcement do not include a court date. The Worth County Clerk of Court will send you notice of your initial court date. The Clerk of Court will mail your notice to the address on the citation. If your mailing address is not the same as the address on your citation, you need to contact the Clerk of Court immediately to provide them your correct mailing address.
3. How soon after receiving my ticket can I find out the amount of the fine?
It takes approximately two weeks from the date the citation is issued before it is received and processed by the Clerk of Court. After that time, you may contact the Worth County Clerk of Court or go online for this information.
4. If I am charged with an offense that I could have paid for before my court date, how long do I have to pay the citation?
The bond (payment of the citation) must be paid prior to your scheduled court date. If not paid, you must appear in court, unless the Judge has granted a continuance in your case. You may pay the citation online. Alternatively, you may pay by cash, money order or cashier’s check. The Worth County Clerk of Court will not accept personal checks. If a person attempts to pay by personal check, the check will be returned to the sender and the case will remain pending which will require you to be in court on your court date. If paying by money order or cashier’s check, you will need to make the check payable to the Worth County Clerk of Court. If you choose to mail in payment, you should include a legible copy of the ticket (or provide the citation number, your full name, address and phone number) along with the payment.
5. If I choose to pay a citation without coming to Court, what does that mean?
By paying the ticket, you are posting bond which will be forfeited on your court date. This will resolve the case against you.
6. If I am charged with a citation that I could have paid off before my scheduled court date, but cannot pay the whole amount of the citation what do I need to do?
The Clerk of Court is not authorized to accept partial payments. If you cannot afford to pay the amount of the citation, you must appear in court on your scheduled court date. If you fail to appear on your court date and you fail to pay the bond amount, a failure to appear order will issue which can result in a suspension of your license.
7. I did not commit the offense that I am charged with, what do I need to do?
You will need to appear in court on your scheduled court date for your arraignment. At the arraignment, the Judge will provide you with the charges the State of Georgia has filed against you and will inform you of the rights you have as a Defendant. Although you are not required to have an attorney represent you, it is certainly advisable to seek out the advice of an attorney prior to your court date. If you cannot afford to hire an attorney you may contact the Tifton Judicial District Public Defender’s Office located at 1212 Chesnutt Avenue, Tifton, Georgia to see if you qualify for their services.
8. I have to work on my scheduled day of court, can I receive another court date?
Normally continuances, without the Defendant’s appearance, are only granted in cases of hardship (such as illness, death in immediate family or other good cause). A request for a work-related reason should be supported by documentary evidence to establish the creation of the hardship. A signed statement from your employer, on the employer’s letterhead, stating that it will create a hardship with an explanation of the circumstances should be submitted. You may scan and email such documentation to the judge’s email address along with the following information: (1) What you are charged with (2) Your court date and time, and (3) Whether you have been to court on this case previously. Your continuance request must be submitted, at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled court appearance.
9. I am not able to attend court due to a medical condition?
Normally continuances, without the Defendant’s appearance, are only granted in cases of hardship (such as illness, death in immediate family or other good cause). A request for a continuance due a medical reason needs to be supported by documentary evidence to establish the creation of the hardship such as an excuse signed by a physician or other healthcare provider stating that the injury, condition or scheduled procedure prohibits your from attending Court. You may scan and email such documentation to the judge’s email address along with the following information: (1) What you are charged with (2) Your court date and time, and (3) Whether you have been to court on this case previously. Your continuance request must be submitted, at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled court appearance. If the request is due to COVID-19 please see the COVID-19 special tab.
10. If I pay the ticket prior to the court date will that have an effect on my driver’s license?
You will need to contact the Department that issues driver’s licenses for the State in which you are licensed. In the State of Georgia, the Department of Driver Services issues licenses.
